Objective:
1) To identify the genes and proteins that control carotenoid accumulation in melon and other fruits/vegetables; 2) to genetically and functionally characterize them; and 3) to isolate the favorable alleles in promoting high levels of Beta-carotene accumulation.

Approach:
1) To genetically test the association of the candidate genes with carotenoid accumulation in melon and other fruits; 3) to transform candidate genes into plants to confirm their function roles in carotenoid accumulation; 4) to analysis genetic variation to uncover the favorable alleles for breeding high Beta-carotene crops.